The Perpetual Search: Can Jonas Valanciunas Finally Solve the Nuggets’ Backup Center Problem?
The chasm between Nikola Jokic on the court and off it has haunted the Denver Nuggets for nearly a decade. While the two-time MVP orchestrates offensive brilliance, his absence routinely triggers defensive collapses and offensive stagnation – a net rating differential that has, at times, exceeded 22 points per 100 possessions. Denver’s front office has cycled through a dizzying array of centers hoping to bridge that gap, a quest that now rests on the shoulders of Jonas Valanciunas. But is “Big Val” truly different, or is he destined to become another footnote in the Nuggets’ ongoing search for meaning?
From Nurkic Tension to Plumlee Stability: A Decade of Searching
The problem first crystallized in 2016 when a young Jusuf Nurkic, drafted alongside Jokic, chafed at a reduced role. Michael Malone’s decision to bench Nurkic sparked tension, ultimately leading to a trade that sent the Bosnian big man to Portland. While Nurkic flourished elsewhere, the Nuggets sought a backup who embraced a supporting role. Mason Plumlee provided that stability for three seasons, offering a surprisingly effective net rating when filling in for Jokic – a minus-1.4 in over 3,500 minutes. Plumlee wasn’t a star, but he didn’t sink the ship.
The Post-Plumlee Carousel: Missed Opportunities and Fleeting Hope
The departure of Plumlee in 2020 ushered in an era of experimentation, and largely, failure. Isaiah Hartenstein, despite showing promising potential (a net rating exceeding seven with him on the court, separate from Jokic), was inexplicably underutilized and eventually traded away. JaVale McGee offered veteran presence but lacked consistency. DeMarcus Cousins provided a brief spark in 2022, temporarily alleviating the team’s struggles when Jokic rested, but his impact was ultimately limited by the team’s overall situation at the time.
The Nuggets’ attempts to replicate Jokic’s skillset in a backup – most notably the ill-fated Dario Saric experiment – proved disastrous. Even relying on Aaron Gordon as a small-ball five during the playoffs was a temporary fix, too taxing for a player whose primary role lay elsewhere. Throughout this period, the team consistently found itself adrift without its star, highlighting the critical need for a reliable, impactful backup center. The data is stark: the difference in net rating with Jokic on versus off the floor has consistently widened over the years, peaking at a staggering 22.9-point differential in 2022-23.
Valanciunas: A Different Breed of Backup?
Jonas Valanciunas arrives in Denver with a different profile than his predecessors. Unlike many of the Nuggets’ past attempts, Valanciunas isn’t a project or a reclamation project. He’s a seasoned veteran, a consistent double-digit scorer for 12 consecutive seasons, and a proven rebounder. Acquired via a trade with Sacramento, mirroring the deals that brought Plumlee and McGee to Denver, Valanciunas offers a blend of traditional post-up play and a developing playmaking ability that aligns with coach David Adelman’s vision.
“He’s so consistent down there and strong, and gets his own rebound if he does miss,” Jamal Murray noted during the preseason. This consistency is precisely what the Nuggets have lacked. Valanciunas provides a reliable offensive option, a strong interior presence, and the potential to form a formidable double-big lineup alongside Jokic – something the team hasn’t explored since the Plumlee era. He’s a known quantity, a player who understands his role and consistently delivers.
The Modern NBA and the Evolving Role of the Backup Center
The Nuggets’ struggle isn’t unique. In today’s NBA, where offenses are increasingly predicated on spacing and versatility, finding a backup center who can maintain offensive flow without Jokic’s unique skillset is a significant challenge. Teams are often forced to choose between a traditional, rim-protecting center who may struggle in the modern game or a more versatile big man who lacks the physicality to consistently defend opposing centers. NBA.com stats demonstrate a league-wide trend of diminishing returns when star players sit, highlighting the importance of strong bench production.
Valanciunas represents a calculated gamble. He’s not a perfect fit for every modern NBA scheme, but his size, strength, and rebounding prowess provide a solid foundation. The Nuggets’ success will hinge on Adelman’s ability to integrate him into an offense that complements Jokic’s playmaking and leverages Valanciunas’ strengths. The key will be to avoid forcing him into a role he’s not suited for – attempting to replicate Jokic’s passing wizardry – and instead, allowing him to excel at what he does best: scoring in the paint, rebounding, and providing a physical presence.
Can Jonas Valanciunas finally break the curse? The Nuggets’ championship aspirations may depend on it. The team has invested heavily in building a contender around Jokic, but their ability to sustain success will ultimately be determined by their ability to weather the storm when their superstar takes a rest. The search for a reliable backup center has been a long and arduous one, but with Valanciunas, Denver may have finally found a solution.
What are your predictions for Jonas Valanciunas’ impact on the Nuggets this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
